What is the difference between livestock and poultry

Mondo Pets Updated on 2024-02-01

Domestic animals and poultry are animals that humans have domesticated and raised for economic or other purposes, and they have different roles and forms in human life. But domestic animals and poultry, although similar in writing, have completely different pronunciations. Domestic animals (chu, four tones) and poultry (qin, two tones) have different meanings, so there is a clear difference between the two. They are two different types of animals that humans have domesticated and bred for different purposes.

Domestic animals belong to the class Mammals and are four-legged mammals, such as cattle, pigs, sheep, etc.; Whereas, poultry belongs to the class of birds and are birds that walk on two legs, such as chickens, ducks, geese, etc. There are significant differences in physiology, anatomy, and growth and development between the two.

Domestic animals are usually larger than poultry, with four legs and well-developed muscles, and their body surface is covered with short hair; Poultry belong to the category of birds and are relatively small in size, have two legs, and are covered with feathers.

Domestic animals are viviparous, that is, the mother carries her young until birth; Poultry are oviparous, such as eggs, duck eggs, goose eggs, etc., and the offspring need to hatch to hatch the birds.

Domestic animals usually provide products such as meat, milk, and fur, and some domestic animals such as horses and dogs also provide functions such as transportation and guarding; Poultry mainly provides eggs, meat, and some are also used for ornamental purposes.

Domestic animals and poultry belong to different biological groups, and their genetic laws and breeding methods differ. Nutrient requirements and feeding management methods vary according to biological characteristics. The economics of raising livestock and poultry also vary depending on their use and product.

It is impossible to determine exactly when humans began to raise domestic animals and poultry, but according to archaeological findings, this process occurred in prehistoric times, and archaeologists have found sheep bones about 10,000 years ago in Turkey, indicating that wild animals were consciously kept in captivity at that time. In the process, humans have shifted from capturing and eating wild animals to farming and domesticating animals for more stable food** and other economic benefits.

More domesticated animal species appeared 5,000 years ago. For example, the Banpo site in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province and the Hemudu site in Yuyao, Zhejiang, the bones of pigs, dogs, sheep, chickens and other animals were found, and by 4,000 years ago, China had completed the domestication and breeding of six animals (horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, and dogs).

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